Screw-cap for metal cans



(No Model.) A. COOPER.

SCREW GAP FOR METAL CANS.

No. 314,227. Patented Mar. 24, 1885.

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F I rZ v 2 J a J a WITNESSES INVENTUH fim i /M UNrTEn STATES PATENT OFF CE,

ALMONDF. COOPER, OF CAMBRIDGE, MASSACHUSETTS.

SCREW-CAP FOR METAL CANS.

SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent NO. 314,227, dated March 2%, 1885.

Application filed October 17, 1864.

To aZZ whom, it may concern.-

Be it known that I, ALMOND F. COOP-ER, a citizen of the United States, residing at Cambridge, in the county of Middlesex and State of Massachusetts, have invented an Improvement in Screw-Caps for Metal Cans and other Vessels, of which the following is a full, clear,

and exact description, reference being had to the accompanying drawings, making part of this specification, in which Figure l isa perspective view of a metal can having my improved screw-cap applied thereto. Fig. 2 isaside elevation of the same. Fig. 3 is a central vertical section through the upper portion of the same.

My invention relates to an improvement in screw-caps for metal cans and other vessels, and has for its object to enable the cap to be more readily and quickly loosened and unscrewed, or turned down firmly onto its seat or bearing. These caps have hitherto been turned either by the application of the thumb and finger directly to the side thereof, or by means of a removable wrench applied there to; but these methods are objectionable, as it is not always possible to start or unloosen the cap with the fingers alone, while the wrench is liable to be mislaid and not be at hand when wanted.

My invention has for its object to overcome these objections and it consists in a screw-cap for metal cans and other vessels, provided with a bar permanently secured thereto and extending horizontally across its top and beyond the same on either side, and having its ends bent downward, thus forming a convenient T-shaped handle having apowerful leverage, which is always in place and l ready for use, and by means of which the cap pound.

In the said drawings, A represents a metal can of suitable size and shape for containing a liquid fireannihilating compound to be (No model.)

thrown or scattered over an incipient .fire to taken hold of by the finger and thumb, and

on account of its length enables a powerful leverage to be exerted either for instantly starting or loosening the cap when tightly screwed down, or turning it firmly down onto its packed seat or bearing. This is an important feature when the can is to be used as a hand fire-extinguisl1er, as it is very desirable to be able to turn the cap down securely and, perfectly air-tight to prevent' the liquid contents from losing its force or strength by reason of the escape of gas, and also to be able to instantly unscrew and remove the cap when the can is required for use in an emergency, such as the sudden breaking out of a fire or a persons clothing becoming ignited from the explosion of a lamp or other cause. The turneddown ends f of the bar B are out of the way and not liable to catch in any object while they form hooks or loops, and thus afford a convenient means of hanging up the can on one or more nails, hooks, or other suitable projections, as seen in Fig. 1,which is a great advantage when the can is used for containing a fire-extinguishing compound.

It is evident, however, that my improvement may be applied at atrifiing expense to the screw-caps of metal cans, jars, or receptacles of various descriptions, and will greatly facilitate the operation of opening or closing the same.

I am aware of Patents Nos. 191,050, of 1877, and 281,845, of 1883, and lay no claim to the constructions therein shown.

WVhat I claim as my invention, and desire to secure by Letters Patent, is

In a can 01' vessel, the screw-cap 13, pro- \Vitness my hand this 15th day ef October, vided with a bar, D, permanently secured to A. I). 1884. its top and extending horizontally across the same and beyond the sides thereof, and hav- ALMOND F. COOPER. ing its ends f bent downward to form a combined handle or wrench and hanging-up In presence ofloops or hooks, substantially as shown and P. E. TESOHEMAOHER, described, 1 W. J. CAMBRIDGE. 

